Nine years of labour peace in Ontario schools may soon be over, after members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation voted 93 per cent in favour of holding a one-day political protest.

The union said it will stage a massive demonstration in Toronto if Premier Dalton McGuinty's government tries to legislate a wage freeze for teachers.

The last time they took the same action was in 1997, when Mike Harris was premier.

McGuinty has asked teachers to accept a "real two-year wage freeze" as part of recent austerity measures.

Ontario teachers start at $41,766 to $44,292, and can make up to $92,813 in elementary schools and $94,942 in secondary schools, depending on years of service and education.

The government wants to freeze the grid so no one gets a raise because of seniority or improved credentials.

The teachers' federation has called the details of the government's position "offensive."